Glossary of Terms
When selecting or interviewing a particular childcare facility, it may be helpful to ask the following questions:
Drop-In Schools/programs that offer a limited time enrollment. This could possibly mean anywhere from a few hours to a few days, to suit your needs.
Nursery/Half-Day Usually this centre will accept children ages 2.5-5 years. Centres are usually closed during the summer months. Class time is usually approximately 2 hours long and there is usually a choice of either morning program or afternoon program.
Computers Available This typically will indicate that the centre offers computer access for the children or computer classes/lessons.
Special Needs This centre will accept children with special needs, (developmental, physical or emotional). A resource teacher may also be involved/available.
Before & After School This centre accepts children who are in elementary school full-time ( age 6-12) and offer care/activities for these children before and after regular school hours.
Daycare Day care usually refers to a child care facility that parents take their children to during daytime for care, education and supervision.
More about Day Care Canada
More about Day Care Canada
Early Child Care Formal care and teaching of children at an early age. Typically early child care includes young children from birth to approximately 5-6 years or before a child enters the school system.
More about Early Child Care
More about Early Child Care
Extended Hours A centre may offer extended hours if they are typically different hours than most centres usually offer (ie. 6:00 or 6:30 am opening time or 6:30 pm closing time.).
French A centre that offers French language in their program.
Infant Program A centre that offers spaces for children from birth to 18 months.
Summer Camp A centre that offers a special program for children during the summer months. Some centres will also offer this to school- age children (6-12 yrs.)
Montessori Generally based on the teachings of Maria Montessori. The Montessori curriculum focuses on practical life exercises, sensorial materials, mathematics, culture subjects, art, music language, computers & French.
More about Montessori Schools Canada
More about Montessori Schools Canada
Subsidy Financial assistance given to parents (who qualify), at centres that have a 'purchase of service' agreement with the community and social services organization.
Private Schools Centres run by a private for-profit corporation. They are also licensed and regulated.
Co-operative Schools Are centres whereby parents participate in the planning and daily functions of that centre.
Licensed Home Child Care Care that is offered in a caregivers home, but is licensed & regulated by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.
Early child care education is important for future learning and motivation, and stimulates the architecture of function of the developing brain. Children who receive early education tend to do better in school and build emotional balance and social development. Governments are realizing the importance of early childhood education for a prosperous and sustainable society.